Question

Potential difference between two points is equal to
(A) Electric charge $/$ time
(B) Work done $/$ time
(C) Work done $/$ charge
(D) Work done $\times$ charge

Answer 1

Electric potential difference is the difference in electrical potentials between two points. It is the work done in moving a unit charge between two given points. The SI unit of the electrical potential difference is Voltage $(V)$ .

Complete step by step solution
The potential difference between two points is defined as the work done in moving a unit charge from the first point to the other. Thus, the potential difference $\left( V \right)$ can be written as-
$V = \dfrac{W}{q}$
where $q$ is a charge and $W$ is the work done in moving this charge.
Thus, the potential difference between the two points is equal to, Work done $/$ charge.
Hence option (C) is the correct answer.

Additional information
The unit of potential difference is Volts $\left( V \right)$ . It can also be written in terms of Joules per Coulomb as- $1V = \dfrac{{1J}}{{1C}}$
Another method to calculate the potential difference is by using Ohm’s law.
If the value of current passing through a conductor between these two points and the resistance of the wire is known, the potential difference is given by the product of electric current and the resistance as-
$V = IR$
where $I$ is the electric current and $R$ is the resistance of the wire.

Note The terms electric potential energy, electric potential, and potential difference must not be confused with each other. Potential energy is the energy at a point due to all the charges present around it. Electric potential is the energy required to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a given point. The potential difference is the work done in moving a unit charge between two given points.